Tools and resources
for students
outside the classroom.

Introduction
In class when I mention going to a silent event with the Deaf community many of my students ask questions about appropriate social behaviors. They seem to have a natural desire not to step on toes!  Whenever one is about to enter another's territory it's nice to have some pointers.  The following offers guidelines for culturally appropriate behaviors that will help you negotiate your signing environment.

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Signed Introductions
Deaf people you meet for the first time will be interested in finding out about your connection to the Deaf community. When introducing yourself, prepare to share the following:

                           1) Your first and last name
                           2) Whether you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing
                           3) Who is teaching you the language and culture
                           4) Where are you studying
                           5) Why are you learning the language

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What is a Name Sign and When Will I Get One?
Name signs are given in the Deaf community to identify individuals without having to always fingerspell their name. There are two types of name signs:

Arbitrary- a name sign using the first letter of the person's name in a location and movement typically governed by linguistic rules. These name signs typically have no hidden meaning and are subject to individual judgment.

Descriptive- a name sign derived from distinctive physical features, or personality trait, i.e., a description of someone's hairstyle, a mole on the cheek, large eyes, blushing cheeks, etc.

Often my students are very anxious to acquire a name sign. However, name signs should be given only by a Deaf person; hearing people should not invent their own name signs. Name signs are given to non-Deaf people almost as a rite of passage. Giving of name signs was a tradition started by Deaf people and, therefore, they carry on the tradition.

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Getting a Deaf Person's Attention
Among the Deaf, waving is the most common way to get attention. How big the wave is depends on how close you are to the person and how easily you can get their attention. If someone is looking down (i.e.reading), wave small and low within the person's visual field. Waving increases in size as distance increases. Waving to someone across the room is acceptable if you can get the person's attention easily, and your wave is not outrageously demonstrative. If the distance is too great, you need a third person to get the other's attention.

Touching is another commonly used way to get attention, especially if someone's back is to you, or when the person is involved in something and   waving is not in their field of vision. Your touch should be gentle but firm. A few taps are acceptable--just one tap or too many taps are not acceptable. Tapping the shoulder or the upper arm is most appropriate.

Some other common ways of getting a person's attention in a signing environment are the flashing of overhead lights and stomping on the floor with your foot (vibrations).

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Negotiating a Signing Environment
If two signers in conversation are blocking your way, i.e., standing in a doorway or stairwell, you can just walk through the conversation. You should add a slight head bow and the sign for "excuse me" as you go through. Don't stop and wait for them to give you permission. Passing through a conversation is not considered rude. One of my students once commented, "Isn't it interesting that in hearing culture it's considered rude to cross through a conversation, but we don't need our eyes for communication; yet, in Deaf culture when eye contact is so important, it's not considered rude to pass through conversation?" An interesting observation. I learn so much from my students!

If people are standing in one or more group conversations, you should go around or between groups, pressing people's backs or shoulders gently to let them know you need space to get through. Do not tap someone's shoulder or wait for acknowledgment unless you actually need people to move out of the way.

If someone unknowingly blocks your view of a conversation, politely ask that person to move aside. Get their attention, then briefly explain the situation. Alternatively, you could ask the signer to move into a better view.

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Conversation Strategies
In Deaf culture it is acceptable for a student of Sign Language to ask for repetition if they do not understand a sign. This is much more acceptable than nodding your head and acting like you understand! If you need clarification, simply sign "again", or attempt to recreate the misunderstood sign with eyebrows lowered in a question ("Word" what?). It is also acceptable if you are a new student of sign to politely ask the Deaf person to "sign slow please". In my years of experience I have always found Deaf individuals to be extremely accommodating. I believe the key is the student's attitude and motivation towards learning, as well as making requests respectfully.

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How the Heck Do I Walk and Sign at the Same Time?
The person who is signing is generally responsible for warning the listener about obstacles that could be dangerous such as trash cans, water fountains, or other people. The listener must, to be polite, maintain eye contact with the signer. It can be impolite to glance away too often while listening. You need your eyes to understand what is being signed! So it becomes the responsibility of the person doing the talking to also do the "guiding."

I remember the first time I was on an interpreting assignment in a busy school hallway and found myself overwhelmed attempting to have a signed conversation and dodge students at the same time. I thought to myself--"no one ever taught me how to do this!" Good luck!

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